The Times Australia
The Times Food and Dining

.

Meal Prep as Self-Care? The One Small Habit That Could Improve Your Mood, Focus & Confidence



What if the secret to feeling calmer, more focused, and emotionally resilient wasn’t found in a supplement or self-help book — but in your fridge?

That’s the surprising link uncovered by leading dietitians Anna Debenham and Alex Parker from The Biting Truth, who say there’s more to meal prep than just convenience or clean eating. According to the pair, building a simple routine —like prepping three lunches ahead —can have a powerful effect on your mindset.

“Clients with consistent meal routines often report feeling calmer, more productive, and more emotionally resilient throughout the day,” says Anna. “Completing meal prep builds self-discipline, which boosts confidence in other areas of life too.”

Their insights are part of a new Youfoodz campaign exploring the Psychology of Meal Prepping, reframing it as a powerful self-care practice that supports mental wellbeing as much as physical health. At the heart of the campaign is a new digital hub packed with expert-led advice, tools, and flexible strategies designed to help more Australians turn small food rituals into long-term habits.

More Than a Meal Plan: Why Prep Changes How You Feel

While food is a physical need, choosing and preparing what we eat is an emotional and cognitive task, and one many of us find draining by week’s end. But when you take a small amount of control back, through a weekly prep ritual, you shift your mindset from reactive to proactive.

“It’s not about prepping every meal,” says Alex. “It’s about creating small wins, one breakfast, one lunch, and following through. That builds momentum.”

That momentum can help quiet the chaos of daily decision-making and foster the kind of self-trust that fuels personal growth. Regular prep routines, even short ones, can offer a sense of mastery and calm in an otherwise unpredictable week.

Practical Tips to Start (Without Overwhelm)

If you’re looking to boost your wellbeing with meal prep but don’t know where to start, Anna and Alex recommend beginning with a low-pressure approach:

• Focus on one win at a time. Prep a single breakfast or lunch to ease into the habit.
• Make it feel good. Turn meal prep into a ritual, play music, light a candle, or pair it with a post-shop walk.
• Track the difference. Jot down how you feel on prep vs. non-prep days to notice patterns in mood and energy.

A Realistic Approach to Real-Life Change

Youfoodz and The Biting Truth’s joint campaign aims to make healthy habits sustainable, not stressful. The newly launched hub provides expert tips and realistic strategies to overcome common prep barriers, like boredom, time, or variety, and reframe prepping as something empowering rather than a chore.

Whether you're looking to eat better, feel sharper, or just feel more in control of your week, building a simple meal prep habit could be a game-changer.

For more tips and expert advice on how to take back control in the kitchen through meal prepping, check out the Youfoodz Psychology of Meal Prepping Hub. 


Food & Dining

West HQ is bringing in a season of culinary celebration this July

Western Sydney’s leading entertainment and lifestyle precinct is bringing the fire this July and not just in the kitchen. From $29 lobster feasts and award-winning Asian banquets to Sydney’s first-ever Acquapole fitness classes and family fun gal...

Onsite Caterer vs a Full Service Venue: 9 important things to explore

Choosing between an external catering company and an all-inclusive venue is a major decision that affects cost, flexibility, food quality, and the overall event experience. Venues with in-house catering offer convenience and streamlined coordinatio...

Meal Prep as Self-Care? The One Small Habit That Could Improve Your Mood, Focus & Confidence

What if the secret to feeling calmer, more focused, and emotionally resilient wasn’t found in a supplement or self-help book — but in your fridge? That’s the surprising link uncovered by leading dietitians Anna Debenham and Alex Parker from The Biti...

Cult Favourite, TokyoTaco, Opens Beachfront at Mooloolaba this June

FREE Tokyo Tacos to Celebrate!  Cult favourite Japanese-Mexican restaurant TokyoTaco is opening a beachfront venue at the Mooloolaba Esplanade on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast this June.  The doors of the new venue will open on 18 June and to cel...

Times Magazine

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

The Times Features

Flipping vs. Holding: Which Investment Strategy Is Right for You?

Are you wondering whether flipping a property or holding onto it is the better investment strategy? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both strategies have distinct advantages a...

Why Everyone's Talking About Sea Moss - And Should You Try It Too?

Sea moss - a humble marine plant that’s been used for centuries - is making a major comeback in modern wellness circles. And it’s not just a trend. With growing interest from athle...

A Guide to Smarter Real Estate Accounting: What You Might Be Overlooking

Real estate accounting can be a complex terrain, even for experienced investors and property managers. From tracking rental income to managing property expenses, the financial in...

What Is the Dreamtime? Understanding Aboriginal Creation Stories Through Art

Aboriginal culture is built on the deep and important meaning of Dreamtime, which links beliefs and history with the elements that make life. It’s not just myths; the Dreamtime i...

How Short-Term Lenders Offer Long-Lasting Benefits in Australia

In the world of personal and business finance, short-term lenders are often viewed as temporary fixes—quick solutions for urgent cash needs. However, in Australia, short-term len...

Why School Breaks Are the Perfect Time to Build Real Game Skills

School holidays provide uninterrupted time to focus on individual skill development Players often return sharper and more confident after structured break-time training Holid...